💔 34 – FOREVER FITZY… THE EPPING FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB HAS JUST SHARED A HEARTBREAKING STATEMENT ABOUT THEIR BELOVED TEAMMATE
Loved ones of an amateur AFL player receiving end-of-life care following an on-field incident are “incredibly grateful” for an outpouring of support, as an online fundraiser set up in his honour grows rapidly.
Epping Football Netball Club player Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, was rushed to hospital in Melbourne after the accident in a reserves clash with Lalor on Saturday and underwent surgery for a bleed on the brain.
Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, is receiving end-of-life care after suffering critical head injuries during a local AFL match on the weekend. Gofundme
Emergency services rushed to Lalor Reserve just before 1pm on Saturday following what club president Luke De Vincentis described as “literally just a freak accident”.
He said Fitzgerald clashed with his own teammate during a tackle before his head then struck another player’s leg and then hit the cricket pitch in the centre of the ground.
The strip of concrete was covered by artificial turf, which had been inspected by umpires ahead of the game.
Just after 5pm on Sunday the club shared the heartbreaking news that Fitzgerald’s condition had worsened.
“The Epping Football Netball Club is devastated to share that our much loved teammate & clubman, Nathan Fitzgerald’s condition deteriorated overnight and is now receiving end-of-life care,” the club said in a Facebook post.
“The entire Fitzgerald family is in our thoughts during this horrible situation and we ask that you respect their privacy.
“Please take a moment to hug & kiss your loved ones; life is precious.
“’34 – Forever Fitzy’.”
Nathan Fitzgerald, 27, was injured in what was described as a tackle gone wrong. Epping Football Netball Club/Facebook
An online fundraiser set up by the club on Monday to support Fitzgerald’s family had raised almost $35,000 in three hours.
“The outpouring of emotion & support for Nathan and his family has been overwhelming; they are incredibly grateful,” Epping Football Netball Club said in a post to Facebook.
“For those in a position to, a donation to help alleviate any financial stress the family may encounter will go a very long way and will be greatly appreciated.
“From the bottom of our broken hearts, thank you.”
The Victorian Department of Education said support was being made available to the Mernda Central 9-12 College community, where Fitzgerald is a much-loved maths and science teacher.
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Nathan Fitzgerald at this very difficult time,” a department spokesperson said.
De Vincentis spoke to ABC radio on Monday morning and said the tragic incident should prompt an investigation into the practice of covering pitches on multi-use sports fields.
“Unfortunately, because we’re just local amateur sports, we have to be able to use these facilities for multiple purposes, but the risk does come that there is quite a hard strip of surface in the middle of the ground where there’s a high-velocity, high-contact sport played on,” he said.
“I do hope this is explored and potentially the way that cricket pitches are covered moving forward is something that can absolutely be looked at because it is a significant risk and I think the weekend has proved what a dire outcome can be from that.”
The Northern Football Netball League said there was “no suggestion that what took place was anything other than a football accident”.
AFL legend Mick Malthouse said the tragedy was “sickening”.
“A young man is, is going to lose his life, and that’s an absolute tragedy, there’s no question,” he told ABC radio.
“You can say ‘oh, we had a bad game, that’s a tragedy, we’ve lost the game, or a bad point,’ but when it’s life, it just simply hits us all.
“I guess that the, the judgment will be, can something be done, and if something can be done at suburban grounds, and it fits into their budgets… there may well be something put over the top of (covered pitches).”
Club president Luke De Vincentis described Fitzgerald on Saturday as “tenacious as anything” and “courage personified” . Supplied
‘Courage personified’
De Vincentis described Fitzgerald on Saturday as “tenacious as anything” and “courage personified” on the field but the complete opposite off it.
“He’s the nicest, loveliest, most gentle person,” he said.
“Which is one of the reasons why it’s really hard as well, because he’s a really loved club character, club person, but you know, on field just as tough as they come.”
The small defender and midfielder was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. The game and the following senior clash were both abandoned.
His teammates gathered at the football club on Monday, wrapping their arms around each other.
Those attached to the club were being praised for how quickly they reacted.
“I’d really love to highlight just how incredible the first responders were,” De Vincentis said.
“The medical team from Epping and Lalor, essentially their intervention has, from what we’ve been told by emergency services, actually saved his life.”
While this was a freak accident, it has sparked concerns about the safety of covered cricket pitches in the middle of Aussie rules ovals.
“Councils do what they need to do to try to mitigate that risk, but there will always remain a risk,” De Vincentis said.
Council offers condolences, denies parking fines were issued
City of Whittlesea Mayor Lawrie Cox said the council is “deeply saddened” by the incident during Saturday’s game.
“On behalf of council, I would like to extend our heartfelt thoughts and support to Nathan, his family, friends, teammates and everyone at Epping Football Netball Club,” Cox said.
“We also acknowledge the impact this tragic incident has had on Lalor Football Club, match officials, volunteers, spectators and the broader football community, as well as the incredible efforts of first responders, medical personnel and everyone who provided assistance at the scene under such difficult circumstances.
“Nathan is a valued member of our local community whose impact extends far beyond football.
“Our thoughts are with Nathan, his family, friends, teammates, and all those who know him during this incredibly difficult time.”
Earlier, it was claimed that parking inspectors were seen outside Epping Football Club where Fitzgerald’s teammates, friends and supporters had gathered on Sunday.
The City of Whittlesea council said no infringement notices were issued.
“Council officers were present in the area as part of their normal duties; however, they did not issue any fines during the course of the day,” it said in a statement.
